Excitement is building across the country as Kenyan football fans eagerly await Harambee Stars’ second Group ‘A’ fixture of the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan).
Harambee Stars, who beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in their opening match of the tournament at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on August 3, play Angola in their second match on Thursday from 7pm (East Africa Time).
Following Sunday’s win, President William Ruto rewarded each member of Kenya’s squad, and the technical bench with Sh1 million.
The home side’s victory has reignited national hope in the team, with thousands of fans expected to throng MISC, Kasarani again on Thursday for the next match against Angola at the same venue from 7pm.
For many, the August 2-30 tournament has become more than just football. It is a moment of pride as Kenya co-hosts the 19-team tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenyan fans have rallied around the team as the country hosts the biggest sporting championship since 1987 All Africa Games.
Football fans arrive at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on August 3, 2025 ahead of Group A match between Kenya and DR Congo.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation
“This is the Kenya we want to see. We are united by sports, and we are showing the continent that we can compete at the highest level,” said Mary Wanjiru, a fan from Nairobi who was among those cheering from the stands on Sunday.
“I already bought my ticket for the next game. We believe in this team,” she added.
Vendors, transport operators, and small businesses around Kasarani and along Thika Superhighway in Nairobi are also anticipating brisk business, hoping to replicate the spike in activity seen during the first match. Many hawkers reported record sales of water, snacks, and team merchandise as fans flooded the area before and after the game.
Security preparations are already underway for the second game, with authorities assuring fans of a safe environment.
On Tuesday, the government issued traffic advisories to ease movement and to reduce congestion around the stadiums and on connecting roads on match days.
Anthony Maina, a hawker from Thika town in Kiambu County, normally sells flowers outside Westgate Mall in Nairobi from 7.00 am to around 11.00 am.
However, last Sunday when Harambee Stars played against the Democratic Republic of Congo at Kasarani Stadium and won 1–0, he shifted gears.
Maina told Nation that he made nearly Sh9,800 selling water, snacks and football merchandise to fans heading into the stadium, as well as to people stuck in traffic near Thika Road Mall, Kasarani Roundabout, and Kamiti Road.
"On a normal day selling flowers, I make between Sh3,000 and Sh3,800 because competition is very stiff. But on Sunday, I tried hawking water, soft drinks, and snacks and made a profit that would usually take me two or three days," Mr. Maina said.
He added that he hopes weekday matches will offer similar opportunities when Harambee Stars return to Kasarani.
However, not everyone is benefiting.
Kenya Harambee Stars fans rally behind the team against DR Congo during the 2024 Africa Nations Championship Group 'A' against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on August 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Alfred Wanyoike, chairman of the Thika District Business Association, says the closure of Thika Road on Sunday—from Nairobi’s Central Business District to Ruiru and its environs—disrupted business, especially for traders who rely on timely deliveries of fresh produce from upcountry, particularly from the Mount Kenya region.
“The most affected are traders from Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Murang’a, and Kenol who depend on Nairobi’s markets. Road closures during matches will only make things worse," said Mr Wanyoike.
He also noted that petrol station owners may suffer losses as many motorists keep their vehicles off the roads, fearing vandalism and chaos often associated with football events in Kenya.
Still, not everyone agrees.
Thomas Kamau, Chairman of the Kiambu District Business Association, downplayed the impact, saying alternative routes such as Kamiti Road, the Northern Bypass, and Lumumba Drive offer sufficient connectivity.
"This is just a temporary inconvenience. As long as the government clearly communicates road closure times, people can plan their movement accordingly," he said.
In contrast, Patrick Wambua, who owns an eatery in Kahawa West, said the road closures have actually boosted his business.
"Kenyans hate being stuck in traffic. Many got out of matatus and came into nearby eateries to eat or watch the match. For us, this means business. So really, it depends on the nature of your business—there are both positive and negative effects," he said.
Over the weekend, the government urged fans heading to Kasarani to use alternative routes such as Ruaraka–Baba Dogo Road and Ngomongo Road to Ngomongo Roundabout. Motorists using Thika Road were encouraged to divert to Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road, or Limuru Road.
